Cricket News: The golden era of Sri Lanka cricket, whose records are still intact
The 15th edition of the Asia Cup is now just a few days away, all set to commence on the pitches of UAE. The tournament is played majorly in a 50-over format. However, this year it is being held in a 20-over format to help teams prepare for the T20 World Cup
Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record of scoring the most runs in Asia Cup historyWhile India has been the most successful team by clinching the title 7 times, Sri Lanka has been the second most successful team by winning it five times. The other six times, they emerged as the 1st runner-ups for the title.
Despite team India leading the number of wins in the tournament, there are a few records that Sri Lankans etched in their golden era and are still intact. Let's look at a few of them.
Most run scorer in Asia Cup: Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya currently holds the record of scoring the most runs in Asia Cup history.
Between 1990 and 2008, the former Sri Lankan skipper amassed 1220 runs in 25 matches, averaging 53.04 with a strike rate of 102.52. He was the highest run-getter in the 2008 edition, smashing 378 runs in 5 games with a solid average of 75.60.
The second place in the list is also occupied by a Sri Lankan batter, Kumar Sangakkara, with 1075 runs in 24 matches.
For India, the chart is topped by all-time leading run-scorer Sachin Tendulkar with 971 runs in 21 innings, consisting of 2 tons and seven half-centuries.
Most wicket-taker in Asia Cup: Lasith Malinga
Another record acclaimed by a Sri Lankan player is the most wickets in the tournament, which legendary bowler Lasith Malinga holds.
The deadly spinner has claimed 33 wickets in 15 matches, having featured in six editions between 2004 and 2018. He had an impressive economy of 4.70 and an average of 18.84. Second place is also taken by a southpaw Muttiah Muralitharan with 30 wickets.
Indian bowler Ravindra Jadeja sits with 22 wickets and is 11 wickets away from breaking the record.
Sri Lanka's squad announced for the Asia cup 2022
After a delay of 12 days, Sri Lanka has finally announced their 20-member squad for the upcoming tournament.
The team will be led by Dasun Shanaka, with Charith Asalanka as his deputy. Interestingly, the squad includes three wicketkeeper batters, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis. Baby Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana has also been included in the squad.
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (Capt), Charith Asalanka (VC), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (WK), Ashen Bandara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dilshan Madushanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwanidu Fernando